Effect of prior use of statins on endovascular thrombectomy outcomes in acute ischemic stroke.

Introduction: Acute large vessel occlusions (LVOs) account for up to one-third of acute ischemic strokes (AIS) and are associated with high mortality and severe functional deficits. Animal model research suggests that statins may have a protective effect on vessel wall injury during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). We conducted a retrospective observational study to assess the impact of statin use on clinical outcomes post-EVT in AIS patients with LVOs.

Collaboration encourages innovation: setting new standards in wound care with the Wound Care Collaborative Community expert panel consensus Recommendations.

Background: The Wound Care Collaborative Community (WCCC) assesses shortcomings and unmet needs in wound care by partnering with key stakeholders, such as the National Institutes of Health, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), industry leaders, and expert health care providers and researchers, to advance the study of wound healing. Through this work, the WCCC has identified a few key barriers to innovation in wound care. The WCCC aims to accelerate the development of science-based, patient-centered solutions and address public policy challenges related to ensuring patients receive early access to innovative treatment options.

Human organoids for rapid validation of gene variants linked to cochlear malformations.

Developmental anomalies of the hearing organ, the cochlea, are diagnosed in approximately one-fourth of individuals with congenital. The majority of patients with cochlear malformations remain etiologically undiagnosed due to insufficient knowledge about underlying genes or the inability to make conclusive interpretations of identified genetic variants. We used exome sequencing for the genetic evaluation of hearing loss associated with cochlear malformations in three probands from unrelated families deafness.

Acoustic Radiation Force Optical Coherence Elastography of the Crystalline Lens: Safety.

Purpose: To assess the safety of acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography in the crystalline lens in situ.

Methods: Acoustic radiation force (ARF) produced by an immersion single-element ultrasound transducer (nominal frequency = 3.5 MHz) was characterized using a needle hydrophone and used for optical coherence elastography (OCE) of the crystalline lens.

The impact of deep response to ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cholangitis - should it be the new clinical standard?

Purpose Of Review: This review explores the emerging concept of "deep response" in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), defined by the normalization of biochemical markers, particularly alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. It examines its potential as a new standard for disease management and its implications for long-term patient outcomes, health policies, and clinical decision-making.

Recent Findings: Recent studies suggest that achieving a deep response significantly improves long-term outcomes in some patients with PBC.

Correlation Between Relative Value Units and Operative Time for Peripheral Nerve Surgeries.

Background: The work relative value unit (wRVU) system quantifies surgeons' effort and resources for procedures. Studies have shown its inaccuracy in capturing the complexity of certain plastic and upper extremity surgeries. Analysis for peripheral nerve surgery (PNS), a growing niche within hand and plastic surgery, has not been performed.

Long-Acting Injectable Prep for People Who Inject Drugs at a Syringe Services Program: A Qualitative Acceptability and Feasibility Study.

Although people who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk of acquiring HIV, knowledge and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among this population remain low due to numerous psychosocial and structural barriers. Multiple implementation strategies have been proposed to address this gap, notably providing long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations of PrEP and offering PrEP at syringe services programs (SSPs). This qualitative study explores the acceptability and feasibility of offering LAI-PrEP for PWID at risk for HIV at Florida's first legal SSP.

Germ cell tumors in children.

Pediatric germ cell tumors represent a rare but biologically diverse group of neoplasms arising from pluripotent primordial germ cells. The 2022 edition of the WHO Classification of Pediatric Tumors introduced the first organ independent classification of germ cell tumors, reflecting advances in molecular biology, histopathology, and clinical practice. This review highlights the key changes, including the refined distinctions between the different subtypes.

Aseptic meningitis from herpes simplex virus proctitis.

Sexually transmitted proctitis, a prevalent concern among men who have sex with men (MSM) is frequently caused by a range of pathogens, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), and While HSV-associated proctitis typically presents with visible lesions, cases without external manifestations remain evasive. We report the case of an MSM in his early 30s presenting with dyschezia and perineal discomfort after unprotected anoreceptive intercourse. Despite initial inconspicuous findings, rectal swabs revealed HSV-2 infection.

A Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Gut Bacterial Urease Protects the Host from Liver Injury.

Hyperammonemia is characterized by the accumulation of ammonia within the bloodstream upon liver injury. Left untreated, hyperammonemia contributes to conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy that have high rates of patient morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have identified gut bacterial urease, an enzyme that converts urea into ammonia, as a major contributor to systemic ammonia levels.

Demographic Correlates of Autism: How Do Associations Compare Between Diagnosis and a Quantitative Trait Measure?

Prevalence of autism diagnosis has historically differed by demographic factors. Using data from 8224 participants drawn from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, we examined relationships between demographic factors and parent-reported autism-related traits as captured by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS; T score > 65) and compared these to relations with parent-reported clinician diagnosis of ASD, in generalized linear mixed effects regression analyses. Results suggested lower odds of autism diagnosis, but not of SRS T > 65, for non-Hispanic Black children (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.

Management of hidradenitis suppurativa in the inpatient setting: a clinical guide.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the axilla, inframammary folds, buttocks, inner thighs, and anogenital regions. Patients with moderate to severe HS often seek care in the emergency department and may require hospitalization; however, the lack of clear admission criteria and management guidelines presents significant challenges. To address these issues, we conducted a clinical review aimed at hospitalists and consulting dermatologists considering hospital admission for patients experiencing severe HS flares.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Complicated by Sepsis in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Rare Case Report.

Physicians should consider non-O1, non-O139 (NOVC) in the differential diagnosis of cellulitis complicated by sepsis, especially in immunocompromised patients when potential exposure exists. Due to the pathogen's potential for severe infections and rising incidence from environmental changes, we emphasize the need for increased awareness and appropriate treatment guidelines.

Red cell microparticles produced using high-pressure extrusion enhance both primary and secondary hemostasis.

Background: Current therapies to treat excessive bleeding are associated with significant complications, which may outweigh their benefits. Red blood cell-derived microparticles (RMPs) are a promising hemostatic agent. Previous studies demonstrated that they reduce bleeding in animal models, correct coagulation defects in patient blood, and have an excellent safety profile.

Fracture characteristics and functional outcomes for Schatzker V/VI bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with a separate tubercle fragment: a comparative study.

Introduction: A separate tibial tubercle fragment (TF) is found in up to half of all bicondylar tibial plateau (BTP) fractures. Adequate healing of the TF is required to reconstitute the extensor mechanism of the knee. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes after surgical fixation of BTP fractures with and without a TF.

Comparison of cellular-based therapies following a long-segmental peripheral nerve defect in a rat model.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is characterized by a loss of cellular and axonal integrity, often leading to limited functional recovery and pain. Many PNIs are not amenable to repair with traditional techniques; however, cell therapies, particularly Schwann cells (SCs), offer the promise of neural tissue replacement and functional improvement. Exosomes, which carry cellular signaling molecules, can be secreted by SCs and have shown promise in PNI.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV testing in Peru: an interrupted time series analysis from 2014 to 2022.

Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the proportion of past-year HIV testing in Peru.

Methods: Utilizing data from the National Demographic and Health Survey of Peru from 2014 to 2022, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis. The proportion of past-year HIV testing per quarter of each year was considered our unit of analysis.

Nuances of the Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Technical Review.

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) achieves anterior and posterior spinal arthrodesis through a single approach. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) methods reduce surgical morbidity while achieving positive outcomes.

Methods: The major MIS-TLIF techniques, from tubular to endoscopic approaches, are reviewed with a discussion on the incorporation of new technologies and a comparative review of their outcomes.

A closer look: factors impacting HIV durable viral suppression among a cohort of clinic attendees in Trinidad & Tobago.

Background: In Trinidad and Tobago, high HIV prevalence among key populations necessitates studying factors that impact durable viral suppression (DVS), crucial for effective HIV management and reducing transmission among at-risk networks. This study investigates these factors using clinical data from a major HIV care clinic in the Caribbean.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 533 adult people with HIV (people) at MRFTT from 2017 to 2021 assessed the proportion achieving DVS, defined as a sustained viral load <200 copies/ml over one year.

Protocol for the isolation of brain microvessels and visualization of RNA fluorescence in mice and humans.

Here, we present a protocol for isolating microvessels from fresh or snap-frozen brain tissue from mice and humans, followed by visualization of RNA utilizing RNAscope hybridization for quantification of mRNA. We describe the steps for sample preparation and isolation, fixation, and hybridization. This protocol was specifically designed to integrate with RNAscope in situ hybridization.

Identification of Stable Reference miRNAs for miRNA Expression Analysis in Adult Neurogenesis Across Mouse and Human Tissues.

Accurate normalization in miRNA studies requires the use of appropriate endogenous controls, which can vary significantly depending on cell types, treatments, and physiological or pathological conditions. This study aimed to identify suitable endogenous miRNA controls for neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and hippocampal tissues, both of which play crucial roles in neurogenesis. Using small RNA sequencing, we identified the most stable miRNAs in primary mouse NPCs and hippocampal tissues and accessed their stability using NormFinder analysis.